Student Celebration Weekend - Wednesday
Titus 2:6-7
“In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” (NLT)
As part of my role with young adults ministry, I often have to break some tough news to older adults. I have the delicate task of informing them they’ve graduated from young adult, to just adult. I never call them “old”…just “old-er”. But I always say it with a big smile because God sees this as a really good thing!
See in Titus chapter 2, we are given the framework of God’s call for older men and women to teach, train, and admonish the younger men and women in the local church. Whether it’s children, teenagers, or young adults, they all need relationships with older generations.
In other words, they need examples of the faith. Whether you realize it or not, you have wisdom and experience that can speak directly to their needs, desires, and hurts. They don’t just need the right answers they need to see someone who is earnestly and sincerely following Jesus. Share your inadequacies and how you depend on the Lord. Show how God’s Word is the authority in your life. Give them tools to put their faith into action. Don’t merely teach faithfully, live faithfully.
Young people resonate with this kind of authentic living.
Secondly, always make sure that your work with the next generation comes from your relationships with them rather than merely ideas about them. Because if we’re not careful how we view the next generation, can cause us to bully them or baby them.
Our desire to help young people should always flow out of humility, not heroism. Don’t start with advice, or “back in my day”, start with humility, and start with encouragement. Things every child, teenager, and young person desperately need. The simple, intentional effort to encourage can do wonders.
Titus 2 is one part of the church’s obedience to the Great Commission of making disciples. Verses 13-14 remind us it's the gospel’s power that transforms, not our own wisdom, cleverness, or ability. So rely on Him. The pressure is off. Simply show them how you follow Jesus and encourage them to do the same.
Wednesday’s Reflection
Be an example and encourage. That’s the invitation. Find ways to bring the teachings of Jesus to the problems and issues they are facing. God’s truth is timeless but it must be delivered in a way that resonates with them.
